What Are the Red Flags of a Carbon Monoxide Gas Leak?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is known as the “silent killer” for a reason. It’s invisible, odorless and difficult to detect without the right tools. If it accumulates in your home, it can swiftly pose a serious threat for you and your family. So, how do you stay safe against something you can’t really notice naturally?

The key is to use carbon monoxide detectors. These alarms are the first line of defense, alerting you to the presence of CO gas before the situation gets dangerous. But besides a detector going off, how can you recognize if there’s a carbon monoxide leak in your home? Below are 10 clues to watch out for.

1. Condensation on Windows Nearby Appliances

If you notice lots of condensation on your windows, namely near a combustion-based system like a gas fireplace, this could suggest that ventilation isn’t working properly. While humidity or condensation itself doesn’t always mean CO, this still warrants investigation.

2. Discoloration or Soot-Like Stains

Fuel-powered appliances should have clear exhaust. If you see brownish-yellow or sooty stains around a heating system, fireplace or boiler, it could mean something’s wrong with the combustion process. This may point to a carbon monoxide risk.

3. Exhaust Fumes Are Inside

If you start to notice exhaust indoors, you are in danger of carbon monoxide symptoms. Fuel-burning appliances like cars, charcoal grills and generators should always be operated outside to avoid the buildup of exhaust fumes indoors.

4. Soot in or Around Your Fireplace

Your fireplace should vent smoke and other gases up and out the chimney. Noticing more soot or grime is a red flag, especially if there’s excessive amounts. A clogged chimney could be the reason carbon monoxide is leaking back into your home.

5. Weak or No Draft in Your Chimney

On the topic of chimneys, a properly working one needs the steady pull to fully remove smoke and other fumes. If you detect weak airflow or even no draft at all, the chimney might be clogged, forcing carbon monoxide backward.

6. Yellow or Flickering Flames

Most gas-burning appliances should have a steady blue flame. Whenever the flame is weaker and yellow (and you don’t have a decorative gas fireplace), it can mean the gas has combustion issues and might be emitting carbon monoxide.

7. Solid Fuel Fires Aren’t Burning as Fast

When your wood- or coal-fired stove is struggling to burn all the way through or has trouble even staying on, it could be dealing with a venting problem, increasing the risk of CO buildup.

Signs You May Have CO Poisoning

If you miss the other signs of a carbon monoxide leak in time, the next clue may soon come from your health. Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• And fatigue

If you or anyone in your home starts getting sick, especially alongside any of the above signs, get fresh air immediately and call 911.

Preventing CO Leaks and Top Safety Tips

It’s always better to prevent issues than respond to them, especially in the case of CO gas exposure. To start, ensure you’ve installed carbon monoxide detectors in appropriate places. Building codes require them outside every bedroom, on each floor of your home and in rooms with appliances like a gas stove or water heater. For an additional safety measure, it’s best to install interconnected detectors so that if one goes off, all of them will raise the alarm. Check your alarms monthly and replace them as needed, approximately every five to seven years.

In addition to having enough carbon monoxide detectors, follow these safety tips:

• Work with local Experts to regularly inspect your heating system, fireplaces (both gas and wood), and any other fuel-burning appliances.
• Avoid using grills, portable generators or similar equipment indoors or in enclosed spaces.
• Turn on the range hood whenever you’re cooking with a gas-powered oven, and avoid using these appliances to try and heat your home.

Rob's Albertan Service Experts Can Help Keep Your Household Safe

At Rob's Albertan Service Experts, we know the dangers of carbon monoxide gas leaks. That’s why our team provides reliable and effective services for your heating and ventilation needs. Our goal is to keep your home comfortable, cost-efficient, and most importantly, safe and secure. Please contact us today to ensure you’re taking the proper precautions against carbon monoxide leaks.